Bronco

I ended up getting the Scott Sub 20 at Bothell Ski and Sport for $499. I have about 100 commuter miles on it and really like it for the money. I'm a little dissapointed the top gear does not seem significantly faster (if at all) than my old mtn bike, according to my GPS the top speed on the Scott is only 29mph and I was able to hit 26mph on my mtn bike. Any ideas on if I can replace the big chain ring on the crank with a bigger one? Disk brakes are definetly the way to go for wet steep hills. The ride is definetly stiff (aluminum frame) but not unbearable and I appreciate the weight saving for climbing.

Looks good to me. I've used lexan, carbon fiber, snow claws and a few variations of aluminum. If I need to move much snow, like for a tent platform or snow cave, the larger aluminum blades with "D" handles work the best.

"Liberty Ridge is a great route, a climbing ranger began, but it’s not in great shape. He warned us that almost a foot of snow had fallen in the last week and that possible storms were forecast for the next week." Something to be learned here is to avoid climbing committing routes on big mountains when the climbing ranger flat out says the route's out of shape, there's a bunch of new snow on the mountain and the weather forecast is unstable.

I think late June is typically getting toward the end of LR's season. I know crossing the schrund at the top of the route became much more difficult in the two weeks after we climbed it in early June '03. I seem to recall reading about somebody aiding up an overhanging wall on ice screws to reach Liberty Cap.

Great video, appreciate the Hank Jr.!

5'8" - 175lb - 102/72/92 178cm I agree that in the dense Pacific snowpack, a shorter ski is sufficient. Now that I think about it, I should have hung onto my wife's 163's and sold my 178's.

tattered red lined Carhart with a pocket full of empty .45 shells and GU packets?

I agree climbing is one of the best methods to train your mind but the intent of this thread seems to be geared toward those without opportunity to participate in training climbs. Go for a long bike ride or trail run in incremental weather. If you can find a tractor tire and convince someone to spray you with cold water from the hose while you do tire flips, that would also be good preparation. I remember seeing an article about a fanatic setting up a stair stepper in a vacant shower stall for the same purpose. In the absence of climbing opportunity, find a tough excercise and find ways to make them mentally degrading once in a while.

How about rowing machines? Is that considered an eccentric action? When I've climbed volcanoes with newbies, the cardio goal was to run 8 miles (hilly if you can find them) in an hour or less plus taking some good long day hikes with heavy packs on. Weighted squats and deadlifts would be good strenght training preparation. How about mental fitness? While watching some of the documentary "Summit on the Summit", I recalled how much of a surprise it can be to newbies that a significant portion of the experience is suffering with wet gear, cold hands and toes, fatigue, physical pain, self doubt, fear of failure etc. Good partners (or guides) will help overcome some of these issues but in the end it may come down to confidence in your preparation and mental toughness.

Synthetic will treat you the best, I think you'll probably be wet from crawling around crevases and such. Sounds like fun!

That's a great sales point for the hardman where alpine climbing isn't quite oppressive enough...

Seems like a question for the AAJ editorial staff, not a bunch of interweb ninjas.

These are SOLD

I thought this thread would be about someone's tool popping and leaving a bruise on their face. Oh well.

sold

Yes please

And they are "semi thermo fit" meaning parts of the liners are bakable to form to your foot.

Unfortuatly the size is not indicated on the liners, they were big on my wife's foot (size 8 - 8.5), I'd estimate they are a the equivelant to a men's 8/ladies 9/Mondo 26.

Bump for price reduction - $85 OBO These are in good shape.

Please send me a PM if you are interested. Comes with an "Alaska" and "classic" pick, good hammer for glacier & alpine routes.

Bump for price reduction - $35 obo

did you see this at montanaice.com? http://montanaice.com/node/1247

Are there any local ski mountianeering competitions in Washington? I'm not finding anything through normal "research" (googleling). It seems like there were some going on over the last few years.??? Thanks -

Hi Gene: Do you have any trees to hang a thick rope for climbing? The other option is to just attach it to your tire sled and pull it accross your yard. Dunlap Supply on the Everett waterfront will give you old 2" - 3" rope if you ask.

I've been experimenting with backpacks and rackpacks/panniers. There are several advantages to each but I trend to the old school and typically use a pannier when I'm on the road and need to lug gear. However, I have sensed that I'm a bit faster with my little backpack and no pannier.